December 12 - 19, 2009 Western Magic

[Scooby3x1y]

provide something to hold doors open.

can anyone confirm?

From our first trip, someone gave me that advice. One time we asked for the bathroom door, but they really don't stock that kind of stuff. We've only asked once, and steward said he only had the door holder that held the door open while working in the cabin. The other thing is, the door is a little higher (I believe) in between the cabins, it may be a little high for a door stop.

You might be able to contact DCL and ask.

 

[Shelebeen]

walkie-talkies - Don't always work well on the ship, if your kids are in the kids clubs, they can't have them in there.
permanent markers (for pillowcase)
click able sharpies for autographs
projection alarm clock I don't get this one. There is a clock inthe room.
shoe organizer Great, especially if there are a lot of people in a room, the small bathrooms get cluttered with toothbrushes, toothpaste, creams, etc. Also great to hold chargers so they don't clutter the desk....etc.
zippie bags There are so many things we use them for - all sizes too. I usually just throw them in the gallon bag, and they can be stuck anywhere.
large clips Don't get this one either. If you're using them to hang things up, huh, I still don't get it. We will bring shoelaces, several pairs to make a make shift clothes line, when you're trying to dry 6 swimsuits at a time. The one in the shower doesn't get enough air circulation.
highlighters - For the navigators. I haven't done this in the past, but I can see a real use for it. You see something that you want to do, but never can I find where I read it in those few pages
Binoculars To me this is personal preference, but anything you can see with them, ie dolphins, etc, you can see without them. To me just another thing to bring.

It is easy to get caught up in bringing tons of things that you don't need other for a second or two. However, if it makes your life easier, everyday, then maybe it is worth it.

I guess some of it comes down to personal preference, I know that I need a light up clock at night, so I use my watch, but I could also see bringing a little alarm clock if you are any thing like me. I would never use space to bring a shoe organizer - but again, I know lots of people on this board swear by them. We do use the highlighters a lot... different colours for different people even. Binoculars - always for us! We are bird watchers, and one time we went to the ocean and could see stuff moving, but couldn't tell what it was, we love them and use them for sure each trip.

The other weird thing I bring is one of those pop up hampers ( they are mesh and you can get them at Walmart or a dollar store - they fold down flat so take up no room in the luggage, but are a lifesaver for throwing your dirty laundry into - then taking it down to the laundry room...

 

[Juney]

projection alarm clock I don't get this one. There is a clock inthe room.

If I understand correctly, the alarm clocks on board don't light up. But I particularly like our clock. I love the ceiling projection because when I wake up through the night I never have to actually turn over to see the time and our clock charges our iPods.

 

[MemoryMakers2669]

We're in the DC area too. Where abouts are you?

Out in Haymarket, right off of 66...near Gainesville!

 

[MemoryMakers2669]

ours is snorkel and sting ray city - I guess it won't be the same tour you are taking.

Nope, we are staying on dry land! I LOVE SRC, but DH doesn't want to go and neither does DD9. So, I can't go this time! Unless I go alone...hmmm!

 

[Juney]

Out in Haymarket, right off of 66...near Gainesville!

We lived in Alexandria and then Fredericksburg for about 15 years. LOVED IT .. but then it started feeling too big. As a homeschooling parent, I frequently think about all of the free educational stuff in the area that I would love to be taking advantage of.

 

[badell]

If that made you happy the this should make you delirious:

I tell everyone that I'm a delicate tropical flower - This photo is GORGEOUS!

 

[kcashner]

Walkie talkies....we had the expensive ones...didn't work on the ship. Better ideas, if kid in club or lab, you'll have a pager. Messages can be left on your room phone from any public phone on the ship. Post it notes or dry erase board in room

To keep doors open, especially if connecting cabin--your stateroom host will be happy to supply you with door stops which will keep the doors open

The pillow case/photo mat thing...each guest can submit one item to guest services to be signed by characters. You complete a form specifying what characters you want--all available, princesses, main 5, etc. IF you want special markers used, enclose those with your item. Otherwise they'll be signed in black sharpie. Makes a good souvenier. Will be done subject to work load (if the characters are too busy, you could be out of luck, but that never happens on a 7 day. It's nice to enclose a thank you note and something sweet for the characters....I have it on good authority that they LOVE chocolate!

highlighters are great...different colors for different people! Get the little mini ones to save space.

 

[Scooby3x1y]

I tell everyone that I'm a delicate tropical flower - This photo is GORGEOUS!

Welcome back Badell, I was wondering if you left us for good! Glad to see you!

 

[badell]

We were TOTALLY going to skip formal night. Then today I stopped at a ladies resale shop on a whim and found a gorgeous floor length black dress with a flattering cut and rhinestone accents for $23. Well, whatcha gonna do?!? My kids will wear their Christmas "picture" clothes. As for DH, I have no idea. If I rent him the $85 tux, the dress bargain is lost. Maybe we'll leave him in the cabin! j/k

A jacket and tie is all that's needed. Tux not required but some like to wear them.

 

[bevtoy]

I tell everyone that I'm a delicate tropical flower - This photo is GORGEOUS!

Thank you!

 

[badell]

badel, I will join you at the disco!!! Cancer freedom is amazing! I will also be cleared by then to dance and party and submerge myself in water!! Hot tub here I come!! Can't wait to celebrate with all of you!!

Wear something shiny and put a big smile on your face. We'll be dancing to "I Will Survive" and any other songs that make us move! Even if you don't think you can "dance", you can move so no excuses - I want to see EVERYBODY out there shakin' somethin'. Don't make me ask them to play the "Hokey Pokey"!

 

[bevtoy]

Wear something shiny and put a big smile on your face. We'll be dancing to "I Will Survive" and any other songs that make us move! Even if you don't think you can "dance", you can move so no excuses - I want to see EVERYBODY out there shakin' somethin'. Don't make me ask them to play the "Hokey Pokey"!

but...but...I can DO the hokey pokey!

where is this going to take place?

 

[faithfullyeeyore]

Ok, I give up!! For the last week or so I have been piling everything that I am taking on top of my dresser. As of today, I can no longer see myself in the mirror!! I hate to get the suitcase out now as I have cats...anyone who has cats understands that a suitcase is a nest. But,alas, I give up! Suitcase is now coming out and I am packing!!

 

[kcashner]

Ok, I give up!! For the last week or so I have been piling everything that I am taking on top of my dresser. As of today, I can no longer see myself in the mirror!! I hate to get the suitcase out now as I have cats...anyone who has cats understands that a suitcase is a nest. But,alas, I give up! Suitcase is now coming out and I am packing!!

But a zipped up, closed suitcase is not a box or a nest. At least my kitties don't bother it! And the photo is gorgeous!

 

[badell]

Welcome back Badell, I was wondering if you left us for good! Glad to see you!

Thanks! Glad to be back. My theatre takes up about 90 hours a week and DH and I headed back east to visit family in Williamsburg, VA for Thanksgiving so I've been out of the loop. Just spent HOURS reviewing everything I've missed. I can't wait to meet everyone at the Promenade - and then the DISCO!!

 

[badell]

but...but...I can DO the hokey pokey!

where is this going to take place?

Then by golly, we're doin' the Hokey Pokey, too! Rockin' Bar D. We have late seating for dinner so we should decide, between dinners or are you brave enough to hit the bar at 10:30? I'm a night owl so it doesn't matter to me. I'll be ready to party by 5:30 each night.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

I just bought the shoe holder as we've not tried this before on any other cruise. I also got a pop up hamper to put in our closet to hold our dirty clothes. I will have to do a couple of loads while onboard.

I am going to get our suitcases out today and clean them out. Then I'll start getting some of our summer-y clothes together. I'm so nervous about packing since we'll be gone for 16 nights. Thank goodness we'll have a washer/dryer in our villa after the cruise!!! December weather in Florida is always iffy and I don't want to have to pack for all seasons...what a pain.

 

[bevtoy]

Then by golly, we're doin' the Hokey Pokey, too! Rockin' Bar D. We have late seating for dinner so we should decide, between dinners or are you brave enough to hit the bar at 10:30? I'm a night owl so it doesn't matter to me. I'll be ready to party by 5:30 each night.

We have late dinner too so its Rocking Bar D, you name the time. Friday night? OOPS! Make that Saturday night?

 

[Scooby3x1y]

Found this link if anyone is interested or still shopping.

http://www.mousesavers.com/merchandise.html